Introduction
Counselling is an important and life-changing activity to help people work through difficulties, develop new skills, and improve their quality of life (Moloney, 2016). Due to the wide variety of ideas in the counselling field, practitioners must often adapt their treatments based on each client’s unique characteristics (Moloney, 2016). This essay looks at the case study of Raj, an 18-year-old male who goes to therapy after grieving the death of his grandmother and finding himself depressed, unmotivated, and distant from his girlfriend.
This essay will compare two unique but complimentary counselling theories, the psychodynamic viewpoint and the person-centred approach, and show how they might be used to address Raj’s issues successfully. To help Raj work through his feelings, learn from his experiences, and gain perspective on the here and now, each theory offers him a somewhat different set of tools and perspectives. Understanding their genesis and development is essential before comparing and applying these ideas. With its origins in Sigmund Freud’s seminal work, the psychodynamic perspective highlights the significance of the unconscious mind, formative events, and unresolved conflicts in moulding human behaviour and emotion (Kets & Cheak, 2014).
The person-centred method, developed by Carl Rogers, emphasizes the significance of a trusting, empathic connection between the counsellor and the client and the inherent human ability for development and self-actualization (Joseph, 2015). In this essay, I will delve into the fundamental features of each philosophy that promote client development and healing via the traditional counsellor-client relationship. To maintain the highest levels of discretion and expertise, I will also cover legal and ethical issues that may arise throughout the counselling process. The ultimate goal is to provide a counselling strategy combining elements of both theories to meet Raj’s specific requirements better. This essay tries to provide a comprehensive counselling plan for Raj by assessing the prospective results and necessary session formats to help him overcome his current obstacles and move towards a more satisfying and self-actualized existence.
Psychodynamic therapy has its roots in the work of Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis. As an intellectual progenitor of the method, Freud is also well acclaimed. In Freud’s theories, the unconscious mind, formative experiences, and the impact of repressed impulses and conflicts on behaviour and emotion are given significant weight (Kets & Cheak, 2014). Different psychoanalysts, such as Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, and Melanie Klein, have contributed to the development of psychodynamic thinking at various historical points. The collective name for this group of psychoanalysts is the psychodynamic school of thought (Spielman et al., 2021).
The shortcomings of conventional psychoanalysis inspired Carl Rogers to create the person-centred approach. In response to the limitations of traditional psychoanalysis, this approach was developed. Rogers pushed for the belief that every person had latent potential for development and self-actualization. What distinguishes the person-centred approach from other forms of therapy is its emphasis on honesty, openness, and unconditional positive respect in the counsellor-client relationship (Joseph & Murphy, 2012). It is because the counsellor-client interaction is emphasized heavily in the person-centred approach. It emphasizes the patient’s internal state throughout therapy and the patient’s progress toward his or her own goals (Joseph & Murphy, 2012).
The therapist in a psychodynamic session takes a more active role, probing for information about the client’s unconscious conflicts and coping mechanisms. “Talk therapy” is a common phrase for this kind of psychotherapy (Neukrug & Hays, 2011). A client can develop what is known as a transference relationship with their therapist, in which the client transfers their unprocessed emotions and sentiments onto the therapist. It happens all through a client and counsellor’s session together. In order to better understand the challenges of the present, it is important to go into one’s formative experiences, dreams, and unconscious (Neukrug & Hays, 2011).
Empathy, unconditional positive respect, and honesty characterize a person-centred therapy relationship. The ability to empathize with others is the most crucial of these three traits. These characteristics set person-centred therapy apart from other methods (Mcleod & Evans, 2023). The counsellor demonstrates compassion, refrains from passing judgment on the client’s situation, and fosters an open atmosphere and understanding of the client’s difficulties. The client is actively urged to play an active part in the counselling process and to steer the sessions in a manner that is most beneficial to them in light of the unique needs and objectives they have recognized (Mcleod & Evans, 2023).
The psychodynamic method would probe Raj’s underlying emotional turmoil after his grandmother’s death and his mother’s decision to leave Raj and his father. We can unearth long-suppressed difficulties by digging into the events of his early upbringing and his protective strategies, like keeping Tina at arm’s length (Klein & Dresden, 2020). On the other hand, the person-centred strategy would emphasize providing Raj with a secure and supportive environment where he could investigate his feelings. It would help Raj make sense of his situation. It would allow Raj to speak his mind without worrying about how others would react to what he had to say (Lees, 2018). The counsellor will prod Raj to address his worries and lay out his goals for self-improvement, but the onus will ultimately fall on Raj.
As part of the psychodynamic approach, the therapist may have the patient interpret their dreams, inquire into how the loss of his grandmother affected him, and help him or her pinpoint the emotions driving their behaviour. However, Raj could talk honestly about his hopelessness and lack of drive in a trusting, safe space created by the person-centred approach (Klein & Dresden, 2020). The person-centred strategy would make this a reality.
Counsellors are required to uphold the highest levels of confidentiality in any method and any set ethical norms (Reamer, 2018). Interpreting unconscious information is a delicate process in psychodynamic therapy, fraught with the potential for misinterpretation and unexpected consequences. The counsellor who uses a person-centred approach is ethically obligated to provide an environment where the client may openly engage in self-reflection. When taking a person-centred approach, this is of paramount significance.
Raj has been dealing with a lot of unresolved, unconscious tensions ever since his grandma died away, and he has not seen his mother in a while. The psychodynamic approach can assist him in gaining insight into these tensions. Raj and I would work together to work through his sadness and examine how his formative childhood experiences have influenced his adult relationships and sense of purpose. It would take many meetings to do this. I will utilize two methods to uncover repressed feelings and ideas: dream interpretation and free-associative writing. Raj has to feel safe enough to discuss his feelings without fear of being judged if he uses this approach since the emphasis is on the person rather than the issue. In order to make Raj feel heard and welcomed, I would show him some compassion and carefully listen to his or her concerns. When Raj applies this method, he can direct his recovery. It would allow him to concentrate on developing himself and figuring out what he wants out of life, such as a career in photography.
Raj may find emotional relief, develop more self-awareness, and strengthen his bonds with his girlfriend and his mother with the help of treatment. Raj may find greater motivation to continue his passion for photography and to repair his connection with his mother if he learns to identify and work through his emotions and receives support. If this happens, he may feel more compelled to repair his relationship with his dad. Raj might have a more fulfilling relationship with Tina if he accepted himself more and made some positive life changes.
How far Raj has come and what he expects to accomplish via treatment will determine the optimal number of sessions. If I employ a psychodynamic method, I expect it to take several sessions before any underlying conflicts become apparent. However, the person-centred approach, in contrast to the client-centred strategy, may show its worth in a shorter period since it places more emphasis on the individual. Establishing a trustworthy therapeutic partnership requires consistent attendance at scheduled visits regardless of treatment modality.
The psychodynamic approach may help Raj since he has to look at emotions that have not been processed yet and unconscious conflicts. On the other hand, the person-centred approach might be useful since it would provide a safe space for Raj to share his thoughts and feelings and act as the counsellor. The client is given precedence over the therapist in the person-centred approach. Raj benefits from a client-centred strategy. Therefore, a strategy that incorporates the perspectives of both schools of thinking has the potential to end up being the one that is most suited to meet Raj’s specific needs.
References
Moloney, L. (2016). Defining and delivering effective counselling and psychotherapy. AIFS. https://aifs.gov.au/resources/policy-and-practice-papers/defining-and-delivering-effective-counselling-and
Reamer, F. (2018). Social work values and ethics. Columbia University Press. https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7312/ream18828-001/pdf
Kets de Vries, M. F. R., & Cheak, A. (2014). Psychodynamic approach. SSRN Electronic Journal, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2456594
Joseph, S. (2015). Carl Rogers’ person-centred approach. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-doesnt-kill-us/201503/carl-rogers-person-centered-approach
Spielman, R. M., Dumper, K., Jenkins, W., Lacombe, A., Lovett, M., & Perlmutter, M. (2021). Neo-Freudians: Adler, Erikson, Jung, and Horney. Psychology-H5P Edition. https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/psychologyh5p/chapter/neo-freudians-adler-erikson-jung-and-horney/
Joseph, S., & Murphy, D. (2012). Person-centered approach, positive psychology, and relational helping. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 53(1), 26–51. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022167812436426
Neukrug, E., & Hays, D. G. (2011). Counselling theory and practice. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning. http://cognella-titles-sneakpreviews.s3.amazonaws.com/81758-2A-URT/81758-2A_SP.pdf
Mcleod, S., & Evans, O. G. (2023). Person-centred therapy and core conditions. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/client-centred-therapy.html
Klein, A., & Dresden, D. (2020, September 30). Psychodynamic therapy: Definition, approach, focus, and more. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychodynamic-therapy
Lees, E. (2018). Person-centred therapy. Counselling Directory. https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/person-centred-therapy.html
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